When it comes to bringing Nigerian bloggers together, in terms of either via communities or by using a directory system, we do still have a little way to go. When I see Nigerian indigenous sites currently concentrated into discussing primarily about Sex and Romance related issues etc I get a little bit worried. That is especially when you get under ages getting personal opinions and feedbacks from inexperienced and unreliable sources. And the troubling part of it, is that the filtering is only done at the discrepancy of the moderators. In this avenue, people express themselves and get feedbacks that are more personal and misleading than factual. In fact sometimes we don’t know how it may affect the life of that under aged individual in sense of differenciating, what is good to what is bad. Indeed we have lost our sense of direction and goals to unite Nigerians as one. And I know many of you understand what I am saying. We should speak the truth when it needs to be spoken.
Thus I shouldn’t forget my main aim and propose of this blog entry, forgive me for my diversion. Although I was trying to explain something there about general communities but I guess, it’s just the deep inside, troubled part of me ,that needs to express itself. Currently we currently do have a directory system for Nigerian bloggers at Weblog Ring but actually it does not present 100% Nigerian blogs. There are enlisted blogs of expatriates staying in Nigeria but not Nigerians and also some personal websites, that are not blogs at all. But then again we shouldn’t ignore to commend the well done Job, by Tim Akimbo of Cowblock. He had a good intention and still have one, but i guess his tasks and responsibilities are too enormous that he really does not have the time to keep it progressing. But still it is well presented, and I still encourage all Nigerian bloggers to get enlisted at Web blog ring, because that’s the only directory that present’s Nigerians blogs properly with a goal.
So well it shouldn’t end with a directory alone I said before, we should have a forum for Nigerian bloggers and also an aggregated content for Nigerians, to keep us regularly updated about other Nigerians blogs. And therefore I developed a site based on that and I call it the Nigerian Bloggers which can be visited at http://www.nigerianbloggers.com, although I have tried names such as lokoja as suggested by Gbenga Sesan, to give it the touch, but it was unfortunately, already taken. So Nigerian Bloggers features an Aggregator (An aggregator is a program used for watching feeds from news sites, blogs, podcasts and videoblogs or vlogs; also known as an RSS aggregator or News Aggregator. An aggregator generally assembles a number of user-specified XML content feeds into one easily readable webpage, client application or device.) and a Forum currently totally for Nigerian blogs for Nigerians staying anywhere. I did the enlisting entries, manually, to ensure that all the sites are by Nigerians.There is currently, as I was blogging, a total of 615 headlines from 63 sources. The Aggregator is updated hourly and the Forum would be the venue for Nigerian bloggers to meet and discuss on issues pertaining both blogging and general issues. I am thinking of embedding a chat room in the future, but I am still contemplating on that. But nevertheless I am opened to suggestions, feel free to do that. I would be very greatful.
Nigerian Bloggers is currently looking for volunteers to maintain the site and moderate its forum, therefore if you think you are up to the task, do drop me a mail, and I would be delighted to review your application.
Although I have received some hate mails in regards to Nigerian Bloggers, some of the mails , telling me they they are currently working on the same solution and the others telling me that I shouldn’t do it, for the reason that is best known to them. Well I would say, that’s their way of expressing themselves. To all those that have encouraged my little effort to make a difference, Thank you. I would always note that and would always show my gratitude. And to all those that think I have stolen your ideas, well I would like to say, keep it real. It only took me, one week to bring it into reality. What matters is the implementation of ideas, not having the ideas itself, and this idea is 100% mine. I got inspired by Malaysian bloggers aggregator. And I said this and would always repeat, this is a non-profitable venture. Peace and Long Live Nigeria.Nigerian Bloggers at http://www.nigerianbloggers.com was primarily developed as a venue to unite all Nigerian bloggers arround the globe via syndicating their content and also via discussions through its forum.
Hi Kayode
First many thanks for the comment you left on Black Looks. The Nigerian blogs project is excellent, just what Nigerian bloggers needed at this time together with the Naija blog ring. You might wish to check out Global voices (http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/globalvoices/) which aggregates blogs from all over the world. I will be doing the Africa section from mid-October which of course includes Nigeria. I will send you an email with more details on that but please check it out. All the best with your project.
Comment by owukori — 8/28/2005 @ 3:31 pm
Great idea. Will check it up later and give you feedback.
Comment by Yomi — 8/28/2005 @ 3:53 pm
Nice. I like the site, but there is a problem, its too chunked :(. I have to look arround well before i get what i am looking for. But nevertheless it is cool. Thanks for the comment and wishes, I really appreciate it.
All the best with the All African Aggregator, that would be great. Looking forward to read from you in regards to that, maybe i could help out in one way or the other. Anywayz that would be really good.
Comment by kayode muyibi — 8/28/2005 @ 3:56 pm
Excellent idea, and excellent job implementing it! I’ve already started sending friends over to it. Thanks for putting this together!
Comment by Robbie Honerkamp — 8/29/2005 @ 9:22 am
Thanks , I really appreciate it :). And thank you again for inviting your friends . Tell them to join the forum too :). That would be great.
Comment by kayode muyibi — 8/29/2005 @ 2:57 pm
This is a good job. I personally like it, as it’s going to be a good place to read what other Nigerian bloggers are writing., and also to network. Ride on, brother.
Comment by diakim — 8/30/2005 @ 12:25 am
[...] Kazey Journal has set up a new site, nigerianbloggers.com, aimed at bringing Nigerian bloggers together, and calls for volunteers to help run it. [...]
Pingback by Global Voices Online » Blog Archive » Nigeria: Bloggers unite — 8/30/2005 @ 7:09 am
well done bro. this is anoher plus for u i am indeed proud of u keep it up. i will check the site. take care of urself
Comment by Bashir Abayomi — 8/30/2005 @ 7:16 pm
I am really excited about this new site. This is exactly what we need as Africans. Good thinking, Good product.
KEEP IT UP!
If you design a 468×60 banner, we’d be glad to advertise this website for free for 1FULL month on Mobile Africa.
Cheers
Comment by David Ajao (Mobile Africa) — 8/30/2005 @ 11:22 pm
Thank you for the kind gesture (the offer). I would consider the offer as soon as i get settled with the blog. For now do bear with me. Thank you once more.
Comment by kayode muyibi — 8/30/2005 @ 11:26 pm
This is a good project, as always when it comes to us black people, we just can take it when someone does something before us.
Keep up the good work, and will be keeping a eye on the forum.
Comment by Shola Ogunlokun — 9/1/2005 @ 5:58 pm
Good job setting this up. I guess the next step is the Nigerian Bloggies Awards – No pressure!
Comment by Remi — 9/16/2005 @ 1:37 am
Kayode,
God bless you more and more.
Nigerian Bloggers.com is of awesome benefit to professional bloggers and citizen journalists. Because of the currency and frequency of your news feeds. And you are very competent and efficient in the frequency of your updates.
You are already in the future and we cannot run away from the existential realities of the future.
Two thumbs up to you 24/7.
God bless you always.
Comment by Orikinla Osinachi — 12/11/2005 @ 3:58 am